And it’s so easy to put off fixing the small issues but, over time, these will become bigger problems and suddenly your house will need major repairs – much like skin might need a surgical lift after years of neglect and sun damage.
Because all materials have a lifespan and even the most well-built homes will eventually start to show their age and it’s important that you are able to recognise the signs and know what to look for so you can prevent these issues becoming long-term problems.
This is especially true of older homes where the adage ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ certainly applies and multiple concurrent issues are not uncommon.
Schedule regular maintenance checks and keep an eye out for the following:
1. Water leaks
The first places to look for evidence of leaks or water stains around the interior of your home and beneath the bathrooms as this could be an indication of a plumbing system that’s nearing the end of its lifespan. If your bathroom floor seems ‘spongey’, it’s time to call in the professionals.
When checking visible piping, look for any rusted or corroded materials and get them replaced sooner rather than later as you are very likely to spring a major leak in the near future.
2. Sagging gutters
Whilst this can simply be a result of neglecting to regularly clean the them out, it can also be an indication of more serious wear and tear over the years – which will almost certainly occur if the gutters aren’t regularly cleared.
If caught early enough it could be a simple repair that only requires replacing a section of guttering but always take a closer look as it could also be an indication of a rotting roof with mould growth from excessive water build-up.
And if yours is an older home, it’s advisable to get the whole roof checked out if you see the gutters start to sag.
3. Roof and tile damage
Your home’s exterior is its first line of defence against the elements and although the roof is one of the most important components, it’s also one of the most neglected as it’s mostly out of sight and not easy to inspect.
The most obvious thing to keep an eye out for is missing or broken shingles and tiles - if the edges of your shingles are curling or tiles are cracked, your roof needs attention. If granules are missing or starting to appear ‘bald’, it’s an indication of the shingle thinning down, making it weaker against the elements.
4. Breaking brick and mortar
Brick has long been associated with strength and integrity but, although it is more durable than most, it does age and deteriorate over time and you need to keep an eye out for brick that’s starting to break apart.
Mortar, too, will also eventually begin to break down and as soon as you see this start to happen, you need to scrape out the old mortar and replace it with new, sealing any gaps between the bricks.
5. Banging noises in pipes
Even properly-installed plumbing isn’t always silent but with older systems it’s possible for a section to break loose over time so when you shut the water off, the pipes bang because they're no longer secured properly in the walls.
So, if you notice louder than usual noises behind your walls every time you wash the dishes or take a shower, your pipes need to be inspected and they may need reinforcement or even replacement.
6. Flickering lights
This could be a sign of a number of common wear-and-tear issues, including loose service conductors in your main electrical panel, an outdated breaker box with worn connectors or a switch failure.
However, loose or outdated wiring is one of the leading causes of house fires, so it’s not an issue that should be ignored – call the electrician as soon as you notice the flickering begin to occur.
It’s especially critical to get these issues seen to as soon as you notice them if you are thinking of selling in the not-too-distant future because having to fix several major problems in one go can be financially crippling.
Additionally, it could delay or even scupper the sale as you won’t be able to transfer the property until you have all your compliance certificates which include plumbing and electrical.
Wear and tear is par for the course with older homes but it needn’t be a catastrophe. If you schedule regular maintenance checks for these signs of ageing, you’ll be able to stay on top of the matter rather than have to do major – and expensive - repairs at a later stage.
Back to All Posts
Comments